"It was exciting that we were having so much success and we could do whatever we wanted. And I mean that about everybody: Backstreet Boys, 'NSync, Britney, Christina [Aguilera]," Timberlake said.

"At that time, we could literally go, 'Oh, man, let's go to Bali,' and we'd be on a plane to Bali," he recalled. "We were little kids with big toys. You do the math — that's not going to last."

The perks even dated back to Timberlake's days on "The All-New Mickey Mouse Club," where he and co-star Ryan Gosling "used to steal golf carts and go driving in the middle of the park to get milk shakes."

"We never got in trouble for it," the singer-turned-actor said. "We thought we were big s--t."

Timberlake had a much softer view of his recent extra-curricular, namely his relationship with Jessica Biel.

"She is the single-handedly most significant person in my life," he said of the 29-year-old actress, whom he dated for four years before calling it quits in March.

"I would rather not talk about her, because it's hurtful for me," he added. "I don't want to say much more, because I have to protect things that are dear to me — for instance, her."

"In my 30 years, she is the most special person, O.K.?" he continued. "So I protect it and until somebody shows me what would be more fulfilling at this point, that's what I have to do."

Timberlake admitted, however, he's more ready to settle down and have a family than ever before.

"As little as six months ago I wouldn't have even thought about that," he said, "but now it feels like a closer planet orbiting around."

The issue, of course, is just finding the right person after striking out with Spears, Biel and his other longtime love, Cameron Diaz.

"I think the mistake is that people commit to who that person is right then and not the person they're going to become. That's the art of staying together, is changing together," Timberlake explained. "When you say it like that, it seems damn near impossible, right?

"Why do you think we all like each other?" Timberlake asked, alluding to the incestuous nature of Hollywood. "Why do you think we wind up dating each other, and feeling more comfortable around each other?"